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Posts for: December, 2015

To help you understand bridges, let's talk about something that may be more familiar to you - crowns. A crown is a very common type of dental implant that "caps" a tooth or dental implant. Many people chose crowns if they have a cracked or damaged tooth. On the other hand, a bridge replaces a missing tooth altogether by placing an artificial tooth in between the teeth on either side of the gap, literally providing a "bridge" between your teeth. A bridge, unlike a crown, allows your doctor to replace a tooth without the need for a dental implant.

What's great about bridges is that they last a long time, and can really bring back your smile - particularly if you are missing front teeth. In some cases, they can even correct major, inhibiting tooth loss, allowing patients to eat and talk comfortably and naturally again. Bridges have the added benefit of preventing other teeth from drifting out of position, which is a common problem when teeth are missing. In more extreme cases, particularly if you have been involved in an accident, a dental bridge can restore the natural shape of your face.

Taking the first step with Dr. Aaron Schertzer, DDS in Oakville, Missouri

On your first visit, Dr. Schertzer will prepare the teeth that are next to the future bridge, shaping them so that the bridge can have a solid anchor. Then a quick impression is made so that expert technicians at our laboratory can begin fabricating your custom made bridge. You will also be provided with a temporary bridge that you will wear until your permanent bridge is completed.

Final steps for your bridge

After a few weeks of wearing your temporary bridge, you will return to Dr. Schertzer at Advanced Dental Arts and be fitted with your new, permanent bridge. He'll spend a few moments adjusting the new bridge to make sure that it is a perfect fit. He'll want to make sure that your new bridge is comfortable and looks perfect before you head out with your new smile.

Find out if you are displaying signs that it’s time to have your tooth removed.

Most people want to keep their natural smiles for the rest of their life, but situations often arise that can compromise their oral health. While your Oakville dentist Dr. Aaron Schertzer can easily address some issues, there are some dental problems that are so serious that can only be fixed with a tooth extraction. Find out the reasons why a permanent tooth may need to be removed.

Why does a tooth need to be extracted?

Most of the time a tooth is removed due to trauma or severe decay, but there are also instances in which removing a tooth will help with overcrowding. If decay or an infection has damaged a tooth to the degree that a filling or dental crown won’t be effective, then your general dentist in Oakville may recommend a tooth extraction.

If you have gum disease that has caused bone loss, then you may find that some teeth are loose and no longer supported by bone. In this case you may also be a good candidate for an extraction. This is why it’s so important to keep up with those six-month checkups. The sooner we can detect and treat gum disease the less long-term and irreversible issues you’ll deal with later.

Also, infected teeth that can’t be treated or don’t respond to root canal treatment may also need to be removed and replaced. In the case of overcrowding, sometimes an orthodontist may recommend removing certain teeth before applying braces. Many patients whose wisdom teeth come in may also need to have them removed, as these teeth can often cause issues for healthy, surrounding teeth and increase your chances of an oral infection.

How do I know I need a tooth extraction?

If you are dealing with a severely decaying or infected tooth you may experience these issues,

Dental pain. The pain may come and go or be persistent. You may only discover pain while chewing. The pain can range from mild to throbbing and excruciating.

Gum tenderness and swelling around the tooth

A pimple-like growth on the gums that continues to come back

Sensitivity to hot or cold

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then it’s time you made an appointment to see your Morristown general dentist. The sooner you seek treatment the better.

Sometimes patients don’t experience symptoms so it can be challenging to know if there is an issue. That’s why you should keep up with those six-month dental cleanings. If it’s time for your next visit call Advanced Dental Arts today.